Zambia has reopened its three border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a two-day suspension triggered by protests in the neighboring country. The decision came after emergency negotiations between officials from both countries in Lubumbashi, DRC. A joint declaration issued following the meeting confirmed the reopening of the borders and emphasized the commitment of both nations to uphold regional trade agreements. Zambia’s Commerce and Trade Minister, Chipoka
Author: Constance Makungu
Port of Beira Sets New Record with 442,000 Tons Processed in July 2024
In July 2024, the Port of Beira’s General Cargo Terminal reached a historic milestone by processing a record-breaking 442,000 tons of cargo. This remarkable achievement reflects a 122% increase compared to the 199,000 tons handled in July 2023, underscoring the port’s growing importance as a major logistical hub in southern Africa. The surge in cargo volume was primarily driven by a significant increase in imports to meet regional and domestic
South Africa’s Transnet Requires $669 Million to Revive Coal Export Line
South Africa’s state-owned rail company, Transnet, needs $669 million and five years to upgrade its equipment to restore the performance of its main coal export line, according to an internal report. Coal shipments dropped to a three-decade low of 48 million tons last year due to inefficiencies at Transnet, which attributed its struggles to a shortage of locomotives and spare parts. Additionally, infrastructure faults and signaling system issues are major
Benguela Railway to Restore Regular Train Services by November 2024
The Benguela Railway (CFB) has announced plans to resume regular train services between October and November 2024, addressing current limitations on seating capacity caused by technical issues. In a statement issued to Jornal de Angola, CFB apologized for the disruptions affecting daily rail transport for users in the provinces of Huambo, Moxico, Bié, and Lundas Norte and Sul. The reduction in seating has significantly impacted communities along the railway line
South Africa’s Ports to Improve Within 14 Months, Transnet Pledges
South Africa’s ports, ranked among the world’s worst, are set for significant improvement within the next 12 to 14 months, according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. She stated that State-owned operator Transnet is committed to fixing the ports, which have been plagued by years of poor governance and infrastructure collapse. Despite challenges, including an energy crisis and a collapsing rail system, the new multi-party government led by President
Transnet National Ports Authority Gradually Resumes Operations After Severe Western Cape Storms
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced the gradual resumption of operations after severe storms hit the Western Cape coast, leading to a temporary suspension of shipping movements for safety reasons. In a statement released late Thursday, TNPA reported that operations at the Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal, Saldanha, and Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal had resumed on Wednesday. However, some ports are still facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions. “The
Container Rates Expected to Ease in Late 2024 Amid Market Shifts
Container rates are likely to ease in the second half of 2024 if current conditions persist without significant changes, according to the latest market update from Container xChange. This anticipated reduction could lead to an increase in container buyer activity, as buyers are currently waiting for prices to decline before resuming trading and leasing activities. The market outlook for the latter half of the year depends heavily on a revival
Shipping Companies Aim to Improve Fruit Quality by Controlling Full Reefer Logistics Chain
Shipping companies are increasingly taking control of the entire reefer logistics chain, from farm to final destination, to improve fruit quality and reduce wastage, according to logistics consultant Andy Connell. “It is inefficient to use reefers solely for port-to-port transport. They are mobile warehouses with refrigeration capabilities,” Connell told Freight News. “Reefers should be packed and kept under hermetically sealed conditions as close as possible to the point of production.
German Dock Workers Strike Amid Heated Wage Negotiations
German dock workers have launched strikes across the country as wage negotiations between the United Services Union (ver.di) and port operators intensify. Ver.di called for full-shift warning strikes at the Ports of Bremen and Wilhelmshaven on Wednesday and Thursday, while workers at the Ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven initiated strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Port of Emden saw strikes on Wednesday only. This strike action aims to pressure employers
Eighteen Filipino Seafarers Rescued off Cape West Coast
Eighteen Filipino seafarers have been rescued off the Cape West Coast after abandoning their severely listing Panama-registered cargo vessel, the MV Ultra Galaxy. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) announced that the seafarers were found in a life raft about 60 nautical miles from Doringbaai in the Atlantic Ocean early Monday morning. The life raft was detected around 3 a.m., prompting an immediate rescue response. A Mayday call was